Deep within the forgotten mountains of Orenth lies a city no map has ever recorded — a kingdom carved entirely from stone, abandoned for thousands of years after a mysterious catastrophe erased its people from history.
When archaeologist Elias Thorne discovers an ancient chamber hidden beneath a collapsing ruin, he uncovers an impossible artifact: a stone relic that breathes.
Not metaphorically.
Every night, the relic pulses with warmth and exhales a whisper in a language no living person understands.
As strange earthquakes spread across the continent and statues begin appearing in places they should not exist, Elias becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind the vanished civilization known only as the Lithari — beings believed to have mastered the power to bind souls into stone itself.
Vernon Watters writes with a deep affection for small towns, eccentric characters, and the traditions that bind communities together. His storytelling blends humor, heart, and a touch of mischief, capturing how ordinary people turn everyday struggles into unforgettable adventures. When he isn’t writing, Vernon can often be found exploring local fairs, tinkering with odd gadgets, or collecting stories from neighbors that spark his next tale.View all by vernon watters
